AFL: Clayton Oliver opens up on difficult 2024 and how he plans to bounce back in 2025 AFL season

Clayton Oliver has spoken candidly of the difficulties he faced during 2024 and the annoyance he felt at being dangled as trade bait by Melbourne.

Motivated Melbourne star Clayton Oliver wants to repay the Demons for not being “the best teammate or the best person at the club” last year.

The Demons considered trading Oliver last season – “which was a bit annoying” – before new president Brad Green put an arm around the premiership-winning extractor to allay any concerns he would leave the club.

Oliver, in frustration at the time, had already met with Geelong.

Clayton Oliver had a difficult 2024 season as he dealt with off-field issues.

This masthead last week revealed the conversation Green had with an emotional Oliver to rebuild the strained relationship.

“I had a good chat with Brad Green … and there was talk I was getting traded there for a bit, which was a bit annoying,” Oliver said on Wednesday.

“Things happen, it’s the business we’re in and I wasn’t performing up to scratch off the field and on the field, it’s understandable from that point of view.”

Oliver has looked back to his best in pre-season.

The four-time Melbourne best and fairest winner, a triple All Australian, appreciated the call from Green.

“I wasn’t the best teammate or the best person at the club … and I wasn’t performing,” Oliver said.

“Melbourne are trying to win premierships, that’s the aim of football, we’re there to win flags.

“We’re there to be a successful team and when you’ve got someone … one of your better players, or one of your better paid players, underperforming you don’t blame them.

“It is what it is (trade talk), it didn’t happen and I’m very happy to be at Melbourne.”

The Demons star has conceded he wasn’t the best teammate last season.

Oliver, who met All-Star Mile contender Another Wil on Wednesday at Ciaron Maher Racing in Cranbourne, has enjoyed a good pre-season.

“I’m probably not fully back (to my best), but I’m getting there and building every week,” Oliver said.

“Having a good chat to (coach Simon Goodwin) where I’m at and pretty realistic with where I’m at – I’ve missed a fair bit of footy the last couple of years (due to hamstring and knee issues).”

Oliver was among Melbourne’s best last Sunday in the club’s pre-season loss to Fremantle with 28 disposals and three goals. He dominated the contest with a game-high 11 clearances.

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